CHICAGO, Jan. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Maya Angelou’s Black History Month Special 2013, “Telling Our Stories,” features five celebrated guests, Kofi Annan, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, Regina Taylor and Oprah Winfrey sharing candid stories about their paths to achievement and their place in the annals of black history. The program is available to all PRI (Public Radio International) affiliated stations and African American Public Radio Consortium stations free of charge. Maya Angelou, a 2011 recipient of the President’s Medal of Freedom and civil rights activist appointed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the Northern Coordinator for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, brings music, poetry, history and insight to the stories of her guests.

“Our stories come from our lives and from the playwright’s pen, the mind of the actor, the roles we create, the artistry of life itself and the quest for peace,” says Angelou.

“AT&T is honored and proud to continue our support of Dr. Maya Angelou’s Black History Month Special for a third year,” said Jennifer Jones, vice president of Diverse Markets, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “The candid stories that Dr. Angelou’s guests share are very inspiring. We encourage consumers to tune in and enjoy these interviews with some of America’s most influential individuals.”

Alicia Keys, multiple Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress describes how the sounds of her childhood in “Hell’s Kitchen,” shaped the chart-topping music she creates today.

Academy and Grammy Award winner, Jennifer Hudson, provides a glimpse of her astounding journey from the church steps of her Chicago neighborhood to becoming one of the country’s top artists.

Regina Taylor, Golden Globe-winning actress and playwright, traces the roots of her work back to the sounds and traditions of Africa and a desire to connect generations of African Americans with a focus on the written and spoken word.

Nobel Peace Laureate and former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan offers the poignant lessons learned from a life of service and pursuit of peace.

Finally, Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou engage in an intimate conversation about Winfrey’s rise from young news anchor to Chairman and CEO, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Winfrey also discusses her upcoming role in the Lee Daniel’s film, The Butler.

For a station list, interview excerpts, guest photos and background visit www.mayaangelouonpublicradio.com. RCW Media Productions, Inc. is developing a download version of the special with its own soundtrack. Information will become available via the website and Maya Angelou’s Facebook page.